Hey Reader,

This week I’ve got a fresh video for you:

🎥 “Expo SDK 54 & React Native 0.81: Why you should upgrade NOW”

Between faster builds, new native UI support, and updates across the board — this is one of those releases where upgrading is like a walk in the park!

In the video, I walk through:

• What’s new in SDK 54 and React Native 0.81
• The real benefits of upgrading
• And why this update feels like a step toward a more stable, native-feeling future

Other exciting updates from around the community:

• 📝 Rich Text Editor by Software Mansion — performant, built for the New Architecture
• 🔄 Shared Element Transitions are finally coming to Reanimated under the new arch
• 🧭 Expo Router v6 dropped quietly but brought some major wins, including native UI exposure and better platform support

Links below — and as always, keep building & keep shipping.
Simon ✌️​

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✨ Expo SDK 54 & React Native 0.81: Why you should upgrade NOW

Expo SDK 54 is here - and unlike the new iPhone, it actually brings real improvements! In this video, I’ll walk you through the biggest changes, what’s breaking, and how to upgrade your React Native app to Expo SDK 54 safely.

👉 Watch the video​

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💫 Nebula Notes

1. ​Integrating iOS 26 Liquid Glass app with Expo UI (Article)
   Expo UI is taking big steps forward, and gives you direct access to the new Liquid Glass effects of iOS 26.
2. ​Rich Text Editor for React Native (Package)
   A powerful new package from Software Mansion that gives you a performant RTE for the New Architecture.
3. ​Shared Element Transitions are coming (Tweet)
   It's been in the air for a while now, and soon we'll have a working version of SET with the New Arch in Reanimated.
4. ​Expo Router v6: A new era of native feel (Release)
   In the shadow of SDK 54 Expo Router v6 was released with impressive features, especially exposing some native UIs!

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Have a galactic week!